Saudi Arabia weather: Cold wave and sub-zero temperatures in the northern borders

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important and urgent warning to the residents of the Northern Borders region, warning that the region will be affected by a strong cold wave that will lead to a significant and sharp drop in temperatures, starting from next Tuesday until Thursday.

The center explained in its latest report that the expected weather conditions will witness a decrease in minimum temperatures ranging between 2 degrees Celsius and 2 degrees below zero (-2°C), which calls for caution and vigilance on the part of citizens and residents in those areas.

The nature of the climate in the northern borders and the impact of cold waves

These forecasts come within the context of the typical winter climate of the Northern Borders region, which serves as the Kingdom's northern gateway and usually receives the first cold fronts arriving from Siberia and Eastern Europe. Cities in the region, such as Arar, Tarif, and Rafha, are characterized by a continental desert climate, making them susceptible to sharp temperature fluctuations. Tarif, in particular, records the lowest temperatures in the Kingdom during many winter seasons, sometimes reaching or dropping below freezing during the late night and early morning hours.

This expected decrease is part of the climatic characteristics of winter in the northern regions, where the weather gets colder and surface winds become active, increasing the feeling of cold and directly affecting daily activities and public life.

Safety guidelines and how to deal with cold weather

Given these forecasts, the National Center of Meteorology and relevant authorities stressed the importance of adhering to public safety guidelines. These guidelines for residents during such weather conditions include the following:

• Wearing heavy winter clothing: especially for children and the elderly when going out in the early morning or at night, to avoid colds and seasonal illnesses.
• Safe use of heating appliances: Be extremely careful when using coal or wood heaters indoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning accidents, ensure the place is well ventilated, and check the electrical connections of electric heaters.
• Drive carefully: Cold waves may be accompanied by fog or frost on highways in the early morning hours, reducing horizontal visibility and affecting tire grip on the road.
• Livestock care: For owners of livestock and cattle in wild and open areas, it is advisable to provide suitable shelter for the animals to protect them from cold air currents and frost.

The center called on everyone to follow the daily reports and weather updates through official platforms to ensure accurate information and avoid rumors, wishing everyone safety in these winter conditions.